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Dr. Athena

Gaffud

Veterinarian Editor

Experience

11+ years of veterinary experience

Location

Graduate of The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)

About

Dr. Athena Gaffud currently writes and fact-checks for different veterinary websites and is a remote staff member of an Oregon-based Animal Rehab. She currently resides in Isabela, Philippines with her family.

Education

In 2011, Athena earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). She finished as Top 10 in her class and received the award for the Best Undergraduate Thesis in Large Animals. She became board certified in the same year.

Experience

Dr. Gaffud gained knowledge and skills from over a decade of mixed practice before starting her own veterinary business for scheduled farm visits and online pet consultancy. She has extensive experience in research, small animal, swine, poultry, and ruminant practice, pet insurance claims, and veterinary technical sales.

Check out some of our most popular posts written by our veterinary team:

Archive

Why Is My Cat Drooling Thick Saliva? 12 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Treatment

Cats are fascinating creatures, often leaving us in awe with their peculiar habits and quirky behaviors. However, as a cat owner, you might be alarmed to see thick saliva dripping from your feline’s mouth, making you wonder if it’s a...

Orange cat drooling

My Cat Is So Skinny I Can Feel Their Bones: Should I Worry? Vet-Reviewed Advice

Many of us are so used to seeing large and overweight cats that it can be surprising to see a cat that is thin. That means it can be difficult for many people to determine if their cat is too...

Skinny cat

Can a Dog Get a Cat Pregnant? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

While dogs are, without a doubt, man’s best friend, they can also exhibit strange behavior. They eat plants from the garden and sleep in awkward positions, but one of the most bizarre behaviors you may witness is your dog mounting...

Savannah Cat hugging a dog

Does Vacuuming Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Advice

Cats are beautiful creatures, but the fact that they have bodies full of fur cannot be ignored. Some have short hair that rarely needs to be brushed, while others must be brushed daily. No matter the cat’s fur type, we...

cat near vacuum

How to Help a Cat Give Birth: 5 Vet-Reviewed Tips

Giving birth can be a very stressful situation for cats. We are used to seeing cats being independent animals, but even for them, giving birth is a challenging task. This period is very stressful for cats and also the owners....

mother cat gave birth to kitten

Do Male Cats Spray? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Owning a cat will bring their owner so much joy, but unfortunately, it’s not all sweet purrs and cuddles. Some behaviors go hand in hand with owning a cat and are not as pleasant as the positive ones. Spraying is,...

tabby cat spraying outdoors to mark territory

Does Steam Cleaning Kill Fleas? Vet-Approved Effectiveness & Safety Explored

If your cat has fleas and they’ve also infested your home, we feel your pain. If you’re contemplating reaching for the phone to call in a steam cleaner, it’s important to note that using a steam cleaner will indeed kill...

cleaning sofa with a steam cleaner

Does Dawn Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet-Reviewed Effectiveness Explained

Dawn is a dish soap that has several uses beyond washing dishes. One of the claims is that it can kill fleas on cats as a surfactant, but it’s not the most effective way of getting rid of them. This...

dishwashing detergent dispenser on a womans hand

Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet-Reviewed Effectiveness & Safety

Diatomaceous earth—a powdery substance made from fossilized algae—is growing in popularity as a chemical-free pest control method. But is it safe for pets? While diatomaceous earth is effective at killing fleas and can be used as part of an integrative...

diatomaceous earth

Cat Deterrent Plants: 10 Vet-Approved Herbs (With Pictures)

Cats are adorable, but not everyone likes their presence. The curious creatures love sneaking into places they shouldn’t, creating problems wherever they go. That also includes your garden, and felines can easily nibble or dig up your favorite plants within...

Cat and plants_shutterstock_Stenko Vlad

Is Catnip Safe for Cats? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you use catnip to manage your cat’s anxiety, you’d know how beneficial this plant is. It is a popular herb that helps manage many behavioral changes in animals and humans. Catnip is safe for cats when administered in measured...

Catster_Is Catnip Safe for Cats

Can Cats Drink Alcohol? Vet-Verified Facts, Risks & Safety Tips

For some people, there is no better way to de-stress and wind down from a long and busy day than kicking back with your favorite glass of wine, beer, or spirit. You may notice your curious cat sniffing around your...

Can Cats Drink Alcohol

8 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil for Cats: Vet Approved Guide & Tips

Coconut oil is a versatile and natural product that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the meat of mature coconuts and is known for its numerous health benefits for humans. But did you know that coconut...

a kitten playing with coconut

5 Health Benefits of Grain-Free Cat Food: Vet-Approved Facts

These days, you can find all kinds of diets and meals for cats. While not all cats need to eat a grain-free diet, some cats may benefit from making the switch. Cats with certain health issues, such as food allergies...

brown white cat eating from feeding table

Can Cats Eat Watermelon? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts & FAQ

During the hot summer months, a slice of watermelon always sounds good. While humans enjoy it and can get plenty of benefits from this tasty snack, can cats eat watermelon? The answer is yes, cats can eat small amounts of...

Can Cats Eat Watermelon